OF PENDENNIS HIS FORTUNES AND MISFORTUNES, HIS FRIENDS AND HIS GREATEST ENEMY BY WILLIAM MAKEPEACE THACKERAY " WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY THE AUTHOR IN TWO VOLUMES-VOL I LONDON SMITH, ELDER, & CO. 1901 ΤΟ DR. JOHN ELLIOTSON. MY DEAR DOCTOR, Thirteen months ago, when it seemed likely that this story had come to a close, a kind friend brought you to my bedside, whence, in all probability, I never should have risen but for your constant watchfulness and skill. I like to recall your great goodness and kindness (as well as many acts of others, showing quite a surprising friendship and sympathy) at that time, when kindness and friendship were most needed and welcome. And as you would take no other fee but thanks, let me record them here in behalf of me and mine, and subscribe myself Yours most sincerely and gratefully, W. M. THACKERAY. 3957 1061. V.3 506401 PREFACE. If this kind of composition, of which the two years' product is now laid before the public, fail in art, as it constantly does and must, it at least has the advantage of a certain truth and honesty, which a work more elaborate might lose. In his constant communication with the reader, the writer is forced into frankness of expression, and to speak out his own mind and feelings as they urge him. Many a slip of the pen and the printer, many a word spoken in haste, he sees and would recall as he looks over his volume. It is a sort of confidential talk between writer and reader, which must often be dull, must often flag. In the course of his volubility, the perpetual speaker must of necessity lay bare his own weaknesses, vanities, peculiarities. And as we judge of a man's character, after long frequenting his society, not by one speech, or by one mood or opinion, or by one day's talk, but by the tenor of his general bearing and conversation; so of a writer, who delivers himself up to you perforce unreservedly, you say, Is he honest ? Does he tell the truth in the main? Does he seem actuated Is he a quack, who by a desire to find out and speak it? shams sentiment, or mouths for effect? larity by claptraps or other arts? I can no more ignore good fortune than any other chance which has befallen me. I have |